Two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay has not been on a bodybuilding stage since he placed fourth at the 2023 Arnold Classic. That may change at the 2025 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 9-12.
The Egyptian bodybuilding legend spoke to the Most Muscular YouTube channel and declared he intends to enter the 61st edition of bodybuilding’s world championship event.
The interviewer asked Elssbiay about his return to the stage. Elssbiay responded that he wants to compete but must ensure he is healthy and strong enough to do so.
I’ll try my best to be in the Olympia this year. 80% I will be in it this year.
—Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay
Elssbiay missed the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest due to multiple injuries. Derek Lunsford won that year.
Ramy then passed on the 2024 Olympia but did not disclose a reason for his absence. Samson Dauda won that contest, scoring the biggest prize purse in bodybuilding history — $600,000.
Elssbiay is a past champion with lifetime eligibility to enter the Olympia. He is also within the five-year window during which he would not need to seek special permission from the IFBB Professional League to enter.
Elssbiay, the 16th Mr. Olympia, claimed Sandow trophies in 2020 and 2021. His most recent Olympia appearance was in 2022, when he placed fifth.
Even though Curry is outside the five-year window from his Olympia win, he does need permission from officials to enter the 2025 contest since he is currently on the list of qualified competitors.
Elssbiay did not indicate when he would officially declare his 2025 Olympia participation. The rosters for all 11 divisions are finalized upon the conclusion of the qualifying season on Sept. 14, 2025.
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Featured Image: @big_ramy on Instagram
